The Top 4 Things I Love About Cortisol

By: Physicians Preference RX

In our fast-paced society, it seems almost impossible not to feel “stressed out” at least some of the time. While our adrenal glands do their best to pump out enough cortisol, our body’s stress hormone, sometimes they just can’t keep up. Unfortunately, cortisol gets a bad rap. If you’ve ever thought, “cortisol is going to make me fat,” then it might be time to give this adrenal champion a second look.
Here are the top 4 things I love about cortisol:

1. Helps support thyroid function: Adrenal stress reduces your body’s ability to convert T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone). By decreasing stress, it is easier for the thyroid conversion to happen, thereby enhancing your thyroid function.
2. Enables us to react to stress: If our adrenal glands are fatigued, it looks a lot like depression since our thyroid won’t function properly. Consequently, we get anxious and have low moods.
3. Helps regulate blood sugar: Cortisol is responsible for metabolizing carbs, protein and fat. Your body needs cortisol to get energy from fat stores to tissue that needs it.
4. Has anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation can impair your immune system and lead to more serious illness, like heart disease. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, cortisol helps regulate blood pressure.

If you’re worried about bloating or gaining weight on cortisol, you should know that this only happens when you have chronically elevated levels. It must be balanced with other hormones and dosed to optimal levels, so your provider’s experience with cortisol is important. Fortunately, the Hotze Health & Wellness Center medical team has been recommending cortisol for decades, so you’re in good hands.

If you have questions about cortisol, contact one of our pharmacists at (281) 828-9088. It will be our privilege to serve you.